Regarding analog gauges, many believe people glean information from them more quickly than a flashing number that the brain must interpret using slower acting language center (as opposed to motion and position which are faster acting brain functions). If you are referring to the iTunes-like cover-flow capability, then it is definitely the "cool factor" that is the draw :)

While it may be more efficient for the machine, Humans were designed for an analog world. Humans read analog gauges far faster than they can read a digital readout. This is important when travelling at 88 feet per second down a backroad.
It's the reason race cars used to turn their gauges so normal operation pointed straight up.

In conjunction with unveiling of EE Times’ Silicon 60 list, journalist & Silicon 60 researcher Peter Clarke hosts a conversation on startups in the electronics industry. One of Silicon Valley's great contributions to the world has been the demonstration of how the application of entrepreneurship and venture capital to electronics and semiconductor hardware can create wealth with developments in semiconductors, displays, design automation, MEMS and across the breadth of hardware developments. But in recent years concerns have been raised that traditional venture capital has turned its back on hardware-related startups in favor of software and Internet applications and services. Panelists from incubators join Peter Clarke in debate.